As a retired merchant seaman I am researching a small collier (s.s BOARDERDENE) which was owned by a Bridgwater company (Sully & Co. coal merchants) and also registered in the port of Bridgwater. To the best of my knowledge she was the only Bridgwater registered ship to be lost in World War II.
The ship was on passage, with coal, from Newport to Bridgwater when, on the night of 10th/11th January 1942 she was lost with all hands (4) in the Bristol Channel – the cause being she hit a mine.
I would be grateful if any of your readers could help me on the following points.
1. A photo of the BORDERDENE
2. Where, if any, are the records of the coal merchants Sully kept
3. Any photos, background details of the 4 crew members who were lost – listed below::
4. If any aviation researcher could help identify which German aircraft/squadrons were minelaying in the Bristol Channel that would also be very welcome.
5. The part in the docks where she used to discharge.
6. Any other relevant information.
The names of the crew:
BROOKS, William Gerald
Mate, s.s BORDERDENE (Bridgwater).
Age 22.
Son of Fredrick and Gertrude Brooks; husband of C. G. Brooks, of Bridgwater, Somerset.
GRANTER, Douglas Arthur
Master, s.s BORDERDENE(Bridgwater).
Age 21.
Son of Thomas and Mary Elizabeth Granter; husband of Christine Granter, of Combwich, Somerset.
WHITE, James
Engineer Officer, s.s BORDERDENE (Bridgwater).
Age 47.
Son of James and Emma White; husband of Ruth White, of Bridgwater, Somerset.
WHITE, Leslie Thomas John
Fireman, s.s BORDERDENE (Bridgwater).
Age 20. Son of William and Harriet May White, of Bridgwater, Somerset.
Should anyone wish to contact me they may do so either by phoning me on 07463186745 or emailing me at bukomtankers@gmail.com.
Finally my thanks, and most importantly, to anyone who is able to help me.
Yours faithfully,
D Brook
s/s BORDERDENE
Ex BERTHA JAMES
Owners: Sully & Co. Ltd.
Call Sign: M.F.D.G
Port: Bridgwater
Built: Soc. Anon. Meuse et Sambre. Namur
Built: 1913
GRT: 122
L:B:D: 85ft. 00ins 20ft 01in. 7ft 02ins
Cause: Mine
Passage: Newport – Bridgwater
Cargo: Coal
Cause: Mine
Position: 51. 18..2N 003.03.4W 3 to 4 miles SW of Bream Down
Crew: 4 All missing
If you can help or are able to supply photographs or information email harry.mottram@nqsw.co.uk and we can pass it on to David Brook
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here